If you are an old time hockey nut the condition of "Black Ice" is a condition you may look forward to.

This only happens once or twice a year on local ponds in the depths of winter. It takes several days of close to zero degree nights, without snow, to form great skating conditions that we know as "black ice". Only us folks in northern climates know the exhilaration of a game of pond hockey with a campfire on the ice to warm up between "periods".

Black ice on roadways, on the other hand, is nothing to look forward to. It refers to a thin coating of glazed ice on a real surface, Although not actually black, it is transparent, appearing to be black from the asphalt beneath it. It is often found on bridges and overpasses and does not require extreme cold to form. When the temperature falls below 32F keep an eye out for black ice.

What today's motorist doesn't seem to understand is that even a M1 Abrams military tank cannot stop on ice. Most often it is the expensive 4 wheel drive SUV that has spun out of control and is in the snow bank on the side of the road. Don't be fooled by a false sense of security. Remember.....in difficult conditions....slow down and maintain control of your vehicle.